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Reign Over Me [2007]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £2.55 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

One of the first films to examine the aftermath of post- 9/11 New York City, Reign Over Me shows how much even indirect contact with those who lost loved ones in the tragedy can greatly affect. Like rings of debris spiraling out from an explosion, Charlie Fineman's (Adam Sandler) loss also devastates his in-laws, who he refuses to speak to, and ex-college roommate, Alan Johnson. Reign Over Me stars Johnson, a successful dentist with a gorgeous wife, Janeane (Jada Pinkett Smith) and two kids, who finds Charlie reverted back into a teenage wasteland, unable to face his unbearable sadness. Sandler as Charlie looks like Bob Dylan and acts like Dustin Hoffman in his great dramatic performance. Listening to The Who and The Boss through headphones, playing video games, and continually remodeling his kitchen, Fineman's escapism disturbs Johnson, who, in turn, feels squelched by his stiflingly normal lifestyle. As the two reacquaint, Johnson is the only person who can help save Fineman from self-obliteration. The story analyzes Post Traumatic Stress with some accuracy, though excess sentimentality undermines emotional scenes. Survivor's guilt, assessing mental illness, and absolute incapacitation due to grief are all topics covered within the bounds of the enduring friendship forged between these two men. Ultimately, Reign Over Me's message is one of compassion, as a reminder to treat victims of loss with patience and care. But interestingly, it also pays heed to smaller human tribulations, which are obstacles to healing when left untreated. --Trinie Dalton


Drama and humor
Review date: 2008-11-28 Rating: 10 out of 10

I just watched Reign Over Me. Brilliant movie.

Normally one would think it would not be something for me, because it's a "human drama" story. But it's a good one, it avoids the usual sentimental sand traps most of these movies are mired in.

And importantly, it has a lot of humor. It's subtle, of the kind people may not remember after, but it's there all the time. One small example: a therapist, played by lovely Liv Tyler, is told by a defensive patient that what he thinks about are her perfect tits. And next session she is wearing the bulkiest sweater you ever saw... and it's not even mentioned! That's excellent.

There's a bit of dangeous casting by Adam Sandler as the messed up guy, but he actually does a wonderful job.

One of the main themes of the film is also unique (so far as I know): even if it's obvious that a person needs to Get Help, and Open Up, and Face His Past, how much can you do for him? How much can you push him? Can you really help him? Is it him you really want to help, or youself?

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Reviews


pure genius....sandler is superb!
Review date: 2008-09-03 Rating: 10 out of 10

I like Sandler's comic movies as well as the next person but was astounded by his portrayal of a greiving husband and father...he truly surprised me. Think I cried, laughed and was horrified all in one sitting. I've bought this film for myself but also for people I like and know will get the message it sends. If you don't see it you'll have missed out. Pearl Jam theme is fab too!

Sandler shows he is not a 1 trick pony
Review date: 2008-08-02 Rating: 10 out of 10

AT FIRST I THOUGHT THIS IS TO SLOW & NEARLY EJECTED THE DVD AFTER 10 MINUTES. I STUCK WITH IT & FOUND IT TO BE AN ABSORBING MOVIE. VERY MOVING,SAD IN MANY PLACES. THE NIGHT TIME SCENES ADDED TO THE LONELINESS OF CHARLIE ALONE IN A BIG CITY, IT ALSO HAS HUMOUR.WELL ACTED BY ALL OF THE ASSEMBLED CAST ALAN & CHARLIE HAD A CHEMISTRY THAT HELD THE MOVIE TOGETHER I WILL CERTAINLY WATCH THIS MOVIE AGAIN. Adam Sandler has broken away from his usual rom/com movies to show that he can be a serious actor too. It is not Henry v, but well worth a viewing.

Maybe Sandler's best performance to date..Lost 1 Star due to DVD cut.
Review date: 2008-07-15 Rating: 8 out of 10

This could be Adam Sandler's best work to date. Despite being internationally known for his 'stupid comedy' roles, Reign Over Me shows that Sandler is more than as the token goofball.

The only thing which was disappointing with the DVD release is that the movie had 2 scenes cut and its very noticeable, from the moment when he is in therapy with Liv Tyler's character, he is sitting there with his iPod to reading a magazine in a split second. The scene cut is a very powerful scene which explains even more the reasons why his character is always changing the layout of his kitchen.

This movie is a must.

Amazed
Review date: 2008-06-01 Rating: 10 out of 10

I watched this tonight. Initially I wasn't expecting to like it and didn't really think Sandler would pull off a performance that wasn't purely comical. However, after a ten minute test, I was hooked. This film made me laugh repeatedly with quirky one-liners and realistic banter yet Sandler was able to move me to tears at a couple of scenes, adding weight to the drama.

It is a good blend of realistic drama, dark comedy and deals with issues as varied as tragic loss, mental illness, friendships and family life.

I would definately recommend this - it deserves recognition for just how good it is (despite the fact it completely passed me by when it was realised).

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Jada Pinkett
Saffron Burrows
Liv Tyler
Adam Sandler
Don Cheadle

Creators:
Adam Sandler (Primary Contributor)
Don Cheadle (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
EAN: 5035822522633
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2007-08-20
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 119 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)
Language: Czech (Subtitled)
Language: Italian (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: Hungarian (Subtitled)
Language: German (Subtitled)
Language: Polish (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)

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